Borrows admits error was his

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Whanganui MP Chester Borrows admits it was his error that meant New Plymouth accountant Marise James had to leave the TSB Community Trust.

Mrs James, as vice-chairwoman, was a surprise omission from the trustees approved by Associate Finance Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman this month, despite being nominated by the trust itself.

Last week, Mrs James told the Taranaki Daily News Mr Borrows had phoned to explain there had been a "miscommunication" between officials.

Mr Borrows confirmed the error was his.

"The miscommunication was I should have confirmed support for the reappointment of Marise.

"It was no reflection on her and, if anything, it was my mistake.

"I made an assumption that because she had only been on there one term, that her position would be rolled over."

Mr Borrows said his phone call was an apology to Mrs James and he had also given an explanation to the TSB board.

Mrs James told the Daily News last week she was not bitter about the error.

"It's turned out it's just one of those unfortunate things. Someone didn't tell someone something."

She did not want to make any pre-emptive decision over standing for the trust again.

"I'd never say never, but it's always hard to go back."

Mrs James agreed with the comparison to Olympic gold medallist Valerie Adams, who nearly missed out on competing in the shot put in London because the paperwork for her entry was not filled out correctly.

"I know exactly how she feels."

Dr Coleman's ministerial adviser, Josh Cameron, said there would be no further comment by the minister on the matter.

The minister appoints candidates to community trusts under the terms of their deeds and the Community Trusts Act 1999.

Nomination of various candidates for the TSB Community Trust came from the trust itself, Education Minister Hekia Parata, the Women's Affairs Ministry, Te Puni Kokiri, and Nga Hapu o Ngaruahine Iwi Inc.

There were also nominations from Taranaki's three MPs - Mr Borrows, Jonathan Young and Shane Ardern.